Rising star

Why Lisa Madigan leads the political pack

“So how was the inauguration?” If you had asked Lisa Madigan that casual question on Barack Obama’s third day in office, you would’ve been treated to a 15-minute rha

On the food front lines

Here is a sampling of organizations in Illinois supporting the alternative foods movement, and one in neighboring Wisconsin. The Frontera Farm Foundation, [www.rickbayless.com/fou

The Lebowski Experience

Springfield event celebrates Coen brothers’ cult film

A decade before taking the stage at the Kodak Theater to accept Oscars for Best Writing, Best Directing, and Best Picture for No Country for Old Men, Joel and Ethan Coen were mak

A better food agenda

A letter to Barack Obama, the Farmer in Chief, about what needs to change in U.S. food policy

Dear President Obama, Congratulations on your election and inauguration! Though condolences seem almost as much in order as kudos. Just thinking about the challenges you face makes me w

Impeachment journal

A dramatic week at the Statehouse

From Roland Burris’s testimony before the House impeachment committee, to the House impeachment vote, to Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s appearance before the Senate that will soon try

Gifts of life from Springfield to the world

Used medical equipment, which would have been thrown away, helps sick people in poor countries

So seemingly humdrum are the operations of Mission Outreach that one of the most difficult tasks for chief executive officer Bruce Compton is creating promotional materials. “Beyond

Racewalking

The perfect sport for baby boomers

If you are a baby boomer, you probably remember when joggers first appeared in the 1960s. They looked strange, bouncing down the street not going anywhere fast. But in a few years joggers

Keep the weight off

Summon your Inner Rebel

Are you tired of even reading about weight loss and fitness, let alone trying to achieve it? So am I. But here I am writing about it! Even the word ‘exercise’ annoys me now. Y

Country festival at the Prairie Capital

With 14 acts in two days, Y’allapalooza brings stars, newcomers and in-betweeners to Springfield

efore deciding to take the plunge and go to a Y’allapalooza, informed readers may be wondering, “What exactly is a Y’allapalooza?” Those up on the contemporary count

Foreign films coming to Springfield

Art Association announces festival lineup

Voir Il y a Longtemps Que Je T’aime et Auf Der Anderen Seite à Springfield. Translation: See I’ve Loved You So Long and The Edge of Heaven in Springfield. The clo